Cabins near Empire, Colorado offer camping options at elevations between 8,100 and 9,000 feet. The area experiences cool nights even in summer, with temperatures often dropping into the 40s after sunset. Mountain pine beetle infestation has reduced tree cover at some sites, creating more open camping spaces with less natural shade than in previous decades.
What to do
Trail access from camp: Reverend's Ridge Campground at Golden Gate Canyon provides direct access to extensive hiking networks. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful. The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" notes one visitor.
Water activities at Dillon Reservoir: White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground offers water-based recreation within walking distance of campsites. "Last minute decision to car camp here but worth it. Easy access to lake from camp spot, walked our paddle boards to beach 20 yards from camp site and had great Mountain views," reports a camper.
Mining town exploration: Denver West-Central City KOA provides a convenient base for exploring local mining history. "You are super confidently located near black hawk and Central City while also being near i70. Don't gamble with your camping experience this is a great campground!" according to one reviewer.
What campers like
High elevation climate: At approximately 8,500 feet, Denver West-Central City KOA offers a cooler summer alternative to lower elevations. "I had an issue with my Trailer and the owner came to help me! Also, be sure to watch the weather and at 8,500 ft above sea level no bugs!" states one camper.
Proximity to Denver: Bear Creek Lake Park allows for quick escapes from urban areas. "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days. Proximity to Red Rocks amphitheater, Bear Creek Lake, Big Soda Lake, and a genuine braying donkey were a huge plus," explains a visitor.
Rustic cabin options: Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon offers cabin accommodations with varied amenities. "My family of four stayed in a cabin. It's basic and the price and staff were great. I am a new camper but the cabins seemed exceptionally close together," reports one guest.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly in this region. "Yes Mountain High!! 8100' high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don't worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!" notes a camper at Denver West-Central City KOA.
Highway noise levels: Some cabin sites experience road noise from nearby highways. "This campground is great in that the hookups work, the sites were level and the access to Golden Gate Canyon State Park was amazing. However, the campground is right on a busy road into the State Park so road noise is almost constant," reports a visitor to Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon.
Shower facilities vary: Coin operation is common at campgrounds with shower access. "The bathrooms were very clean and recently remodeled, but require coins if you were going to shower," notes a camper at Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon includes play areas for children. "Our nine year old really liked the playground area," reports one family who stayed there.
Cabin alternatives for beginners: Frazer Meadow Campground offers cabin and yurt options suitable for families new to outdoor stays. "This was a great campground tucked away in the mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails from the campground and throughout the park. The sites were very private and very quiet," notes one visitor.
Food amenities: Some locations offer meal options beyond standard camping fare. "This KOA campground was impressive to me. The campground offered pizza and wing delivery! They also offered an all you can eat pancake breakfast for $3 in the morning," shares a visitor to Denver West-Central City KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Pay attention to campground terrain information when selecting a cabin or RV site. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks. When we where there, there were bear in the campground," reports an RVer who stayed at Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Hookup availability: Electrical connections vary by loop in most campgrounds. "Campground is very clean. Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables," explains an RVer at Reverend's Ridge.
Off-season advantages: Cabin rentals may offer better availability and value during shoulder seasons. "Very nice and helpful owners of this KOA. We are staying in their offseason and it is still so beautiful and facilities are amazing! Great WiFi and hookups with fire rings at every site! Very close to Central City and Blackhawk!" notes a visitor to Denver West-Central City KOA.
